Scotland: Tributes paid to Greig Laidlaw after scrum-half ends 16-year playing career

Former Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of this season.

In an outstanding 16-year professional career, Laidlaw earned 76 caps for his country, scoring over 700 points, and played with distinction for Edinburgh, Gloucester and Clermont Auvergne in Europe.

He played his final match for Scotland in 2019 and since 2020 has been plying his trade in Japan with the Urayasu D-Rocks.

Move into coaching

The 37-year-old intends to remain in the game and will move into coaching.

“We intend to stay as a family in Japan a while longer, but it is here I will finally hang up my playing boots,” he wrote on Instagram.

“It is time to take everything I have learnt, from a playing career I could only have dreamt of, and move on into coaching.

“Throughout my playing career I have pushed myself, I have taken on new experiences, continuously learnt and immersed myself in different cultures.

“I have always enjoyed figuring out how to work as a team and how to get the best out of my team-mates, things I will take with me and continue to develop.”

Laidlaw is considered one of Scotland’s modern day greats having been a crucial cog in the side for almost a decade.

He played in two Rugby World Cups – in 2015 and 2019 – and was instrumental in their run to the quarter-finals in England.

His performance against Samoa was pivotal as they reached the last-eight with a narrow 36-33 triumph over the Pacific Islanders at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Laidlaw then impressed in the knockout clash with Australia at Twickenham, only for a late Bernard Foley penalty to end their World Cup dreams.

5ft 9in totem

Commentator Jamie Lyall tweeted: “What a career. From Jed to Japan via Edinburgh, the West Country and the Massif Central. Travelling the rugby world, and giving his family some amazing experiences. A 5ft 9ins totem for Scotland. A Lion in New Zealand. Greig Laidlaw is going to make some coach.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Rugby Twitter account wrote: “One of the very best. Congratulations on an incredible career, Greig!”

Journalist Mark Palmer added: “Farewell to one of Scottish rugby’s greatest ever competitors as Mr Greig calls time on his playing career at the age of 37 to move into coaching. Tremendous knock from the wee man.”

His former clubs also paid their tributes with Clermont Auvergne leading the way. Laidlaw spent three years at the French outfit and was part of their Challenge Cup winning side in 2019.

“Congratulations on a wonderful career Greig. It was an honor to share a few seasons with you. We wish you the best for the future,” Clermont wrote.

Many also expect the former scrum-half to be just as successful as a coach given his dedication to the sport over the years.

Caroline Blair of the official Scottish Rugby Podcast tweeted: “Very best wishes to #GreigLaidlaw as he signs off from playing. What a shift. If his commitment to coaching matches the commitment he’s shown to the jerseys he’s worn over the years…well, what a future awaits him. #gowell.”

READ MORE: United Rugby Championship awards: Leinster, Tom Stewart and Sharks amongst our recipients